Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has not given up on his dream of playing in the league. Kaepernick, a second-round pick by the 49ers in 2011, has not played in the NFL since the end of the 2017 season.
Following his controversial decision to kneel during the national anthem before games to protest police brutality, team owners banded together to keep Kaepernick from playing in the league. The NFL settled a lawsuit with Kaepernick over collusion.
Former San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick wants to return
Colin Kaepernick San Francisco 49ers Harrison Butker
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) takes the field prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
In April, Kaepernick’s longtime partner, Nessa Diab, told TMZ in April that Kaepernick works out regularly, hoping to return to the league. Kaepernick, 37, doesn’t appear to be a likely signing before the upcoming season.
On Sunday, Dov Kleiman posted a question to NFL fans asking what team might take a chance on signing Kaepernick in 2025.
“Powerful: Colin Kaepernick says that he STILL wants to play in the NFL this season,” Kleiman posted on X. “Kaepernick still trains daily and believes he could bring a lot to a team to help them win a Super Bowl. Colin is 37 years old and has not played in 8 seasons. Which team should take a chance and sign him?”
Nobody wants this dude and the baggage he brings on their team.
— Chuck Chuck Bobuck King of Bonus Bets (@ChuckSchick1980) July 6, 2025
Kaepernick received backlash for his comments
Megan Rapinoe Colin Kaepernick
Aug 8, 2024; Paris, France; Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick talks with former NWSL soccer player Megan Rapinoe during the game between the United States and Serbia in a men’s basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Fans on social media gave Kaepernick grief for entertaining the idea of playing in the league again.
“Bro just put the fries in the bag man,” wrote a fan.
“Its that time of the off season again. Bro aint nobody want you for years now, find a new hobby,” posted another.
“Just put the fries in the bag Colin,” posted @the_det_times.
Just put the fries in the bag Colin pic.twitter.com/tgl5nzUetv
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) July 6, 2025
“No. Just no. We’ve all been done with him before his last season as a 49er. He sucked the last couple seasons. Then thought social justice would get him to keep his job and kept cancelling on teams, kept saying it was the teams fault instead of just taking responsibility for wanting to be #1 QB with no trust in him,” argued another.
“It would be nice if he had another chance, but not getting hit in 8 years is gonna be tough to get the physical and mind conditioning to deal with it. I hope he gets an opportunity tho,” hopes a fan.
“Nobody wants this dude and the baggage he brings on their team,” posted another.
Aug 8, 2024; Paris, France; Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick looks on during the first half between the United States and Serbia in a men's basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2024; Paris, France; Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick looks on during the first half between the United States and Serbia in a men’s basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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